How to Screen Record on Chromebook (Built-In, Free)

To screen record on a Chromebook, press Shift + Ctrl + Show windows (the key with a rectangle-and-lines icon) to open Screen Capture, select the Record option, then click the area to record. It’s built into ChromeOS — nothing to install. On Windows? See how to record your screen on Windows.

Step by step

1. Press Shift + Ctrl + Show windows (or click the time → Screen capture).
2. In the toolbar at the bottom, click the Record video icon (a camera).
3. Choose Full screen, Partial (drag a box), or Window.
4. Click Record. A countdown starts.
5. Click the red stop button in the bottom shelf when done.

Recording audio

• Toggle the microphone icon in the toolbar to record your voice.
• Click the gear (Settings) icon in the toolbar to choose audio: Microphone, Device audio, or both.
• Some ChromeOS versions let you capture the microphone and system audio together; check the toolbar options.

Where do recordings save?

Recordings save as WEBM files to your Downloads folder, and appear in the Files app → Downloads. You can also open the Tote (bottom shelf) to see recent captures.

Note: WEBM plays in Chrome, but not always on iPhones. To share widely, convert to MP4 (free online converters like CloudConvert work).

Recording a specific window or area

• Partial: drag a box to record just part of the screen.
• Window: click a single window to record only it — great for tutorials without exposing other tabs.

Converting WEBM to MP4

If you need an MP4 (for iPhone, editing software, or some uploads):

1. Go to a free converter like CloudConvert or FreeConvert.
2. Upload the WEBM file.
3. Convert to MP4 and download.

Keyframe-based converters preserve quality.

Common problems and fixes

FAQ

Is the Chromebook screen recorder free?

Yes. It’s built into ChromeOS — no download, no watermark, no time limit.

What’s the shortcut for screen recording on a Chromebook?

Shift + Ctrl + Show windows (Show windows is the key with a rectangle and two lines, in the top row). Also see how to screen record on Android for a different device.

How do I record a single window on Chromebook?

In the Screen Capture toolbar, pick Record, then choose the Window option and click the window you want.

Where do Chromebook recordings save?

As WEBM files in Downloads (Files app → Downloads), and in the Tote for recent captures.

Can I record with audio on a Chromebook?

Microphone yes — toggle the mic icon. For system audio, open the gear (Settings) icon and turn on Device audio. On a Mac instead? See how to record internal audio on Mac.

How do I stop a Chromebook screen recording?

Click the red Stop button in the bottom shelf, or press the Screen Capture shortcut again.